Is it normal for a crab enjoying to be misted?

[crazykidsdad]

Hey all,

I have been spraying my hermit crabs cage with water, and sprayed some on the shell to clean off the sand. When this hit the crab, he came out, almost completely of his shell and I continued to mist him. He stayed almost completely out while being misted and almosted seemed to have gone for my fingers with his big claw.

Is this normal??

Thanks!

[Suebee]

Yes very normal. Crabs in the wild go through a rainy season too. They love the humidity. It feels good. I would just sugetst that you use fresh declorinated water not salt water to mist them. The salt water can dehydrate them. Let it rain!

[CrabbyJo]

I'm not sure about the salt water dehydrating them, although it seems a safe assumption. I'd be more concerned with upsetting their saline balance, although I believe that has more to do with their shell water than with the water that gets on them.
They can always balance it out themselves, but yes, it is always more prudent to use fresh water for misting.

Here's a thought - how humid was the environment the crab was in just before being misted? If it was dry, the crab might be enjoying having it's gills moistened - hm.....

[ladybug15057]

When our hermies are taken out of the tank for their exercise (if it is not bath day) they do get lightly misted before playing in their baby pool. As we are picking them up they begin to come out of their shells to greet their misting. They really do enjoy it here, and do love the out of the tank exercise.

[hermit crabs rock 10]

Yes in fact they do enjoy to be misted all the time because they like there gills moist and my crabs just love it!

[CrabbyJo]

Can I ask, what is your humidity in the tank?

[ladybug15057]

Hermies should not be misted all the time. By doing so it has the reverse effect, it can be drying. (similar to a human getting dry chapped hands.)

[Jadexox]

maybe i can do that if my humidity is low i would try to get it up too
is once a week good?